the eldest
noun
—used in comparing the ages of people who are members of the same family
He's the eldest of her three brothers.
Examples of the eldest in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Peter is the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth, and Harriet is a National Health Service nurse.
—
Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
This Sunday, at the age of 51, the eldest daughter of Peru’s late former president will make her fourth attempt at winning the presidency in a runoff election, despite three consecutive defeats in 2011, 2016 and 2021.
—Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Wilder is the eldest son of Hawn's son Oliver Hudson.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 June 2026
Høiby, 29, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and has no royal title or official duties.
—ABC News, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the eldest
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Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
This Sunday, at the age of 51, the eldest daughter of Peru’s late former president will make her fourth attempt at winning the presidency in a runoff election, despite three consecutive defeats in 2011, 2016 and 2021.
—Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Wilder is the eldest son of Hawn's son Oliver Hudson.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 June 2026
Høiby, 29, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and has no royal title or official duties.
—ABC News, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the eldest
Cite this Entry
“The eldest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20eldest. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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